Beethoven's Heroic Symphony

The story behind Ludwig van Beethoven's composition The Heroic Symphony.

Beethoven's Third Symphony was written as the classical composer was struggling with his advancing deafness. Meant as a celebration of Napoleon's victories, the four movements reflected Bonaparte's courage and heroism. But soon after Beethoven completed the work, he discovered Napoleon's treachery in declaring himself Emperor of France, and the composer considered destroying the composition. Instead, The Bonaparte Symphony was later renamed the Eroica, or Heroic Symphony.

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Author & Illustrator Bios:

Anna Harwell Celenza, author

Anna Harwell Celenza is a musicologist and the author of several books for adults and children regarding music history and the history of art. Her children’s books include the Once Upon a Masterpiece series. Anna lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

JoAnn E. Kitchel received her B.A. in art education from Central Michigan University. She has illustrated the Once Upon a Masterpiece series, and Hanukkah Lights (Chronicle Books). JoAnn lives in Mt. Vernon, New Hampshire.